Patient and Caregiver Engagement in a Health-Equity Focused LHS

With patients and caregivers (PCs) at the heart, learning health systems (LHS) bring together research and health
systems. LHS work in a cycle to speed up learning from data and evidence and guide practice and policy change.
This approach has been identified as an efficient and cost-effective way to improve healthcare experiences, overall
wellbeing of the population, and health system performance. For LHS to address unfair differences in health status
or healthcare access and experiences, PCs must be involved. Currently, most LHS fail to meaningfully engage
PCs and guidance for moving LHS from theory to reality is under-researched. Through semi-structured interviews,
this project will explore PCs needs, values, and perspectives related to engagement in Pediatric LHS at IWK
Health. Establishing a Peds-LHS is a priority for IWK Health. Findings will support IWK Health to optimally engage
PCs from various backgrounds in the Peds-LHS to ensure it promotes health equity.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christine Cassidy

Student:

Partner:

IWK Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: